Leading literary organisations have written to Scotland's exam body calling for Scots literature and language to be made a mandatory part of the English Higher.

Although Scottish literature used to be a compulsory element of the exam, that requirement was removed in 2001 as part of efforts to streamline the qualification.

Critics say, although many teachers still opt for Scottish authors, Scottish literature should be given greater protection.

A review of Higher English was announced by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in November after concerns were raised by headteachers over reliability and content of the qualification.

There had been criticism that Higher English does not test the full range of pupils' skills and in particular ignores creative writing, while there were also worries that too many pupils were not getting the results predicted for them.

It also follows the recent decision by the SQA to restore a compulsory element of Scottish history to the History Higher paper. Now the campaign to restore Scottish literature as a compulsory part of what is seen by many as the country's most important exam is gathering force.

Members of the Literature Forum for Scotland and the Association for Scottish Literary Studies have written to the SQA asking for Scottish literature to be put back at the heart of the English Higher.

Professor Douglas Gifford, chairman of the Literature Forum for Scotland, said: "It is remarkable that young people growing up in Scotland are not automatically given a structured knowledge and critical self-awareness of their environment and its culture, history, literature and languages.

"We feel such awareness is fundamentally necessary in providing the capacity and confidence needed in Scotland and the wider world. We welcome the recent announcements regarding Scottish history and, in the forthcoming review of Higher English, we would seek to see similar emphasis given to Scotland's literature.

"The forum would welcome the reintroduction of Scottish literature and language within Higher English, preferably as a component of the final exam."

Professor Alan Riach, president of the Association for Scottish Literary Studies, added: "We welcome the SQA's announcement it proposes a far-reaching review of its Higher syllabus for English.

"We appreciate the immediate occasion for this undertaking has been public worry about the scope and reliability of the examination, but would urge that in any future changes the opportunity should also be grasped to promote the study of Scottish literature and its languages.

"We believe Scottish literature should be securely embedded throughout the curriculum - not to the exclusion of other great literature in English or other languages or in translation, but as central to any study of literature in this country.

"The appreciation of our literature should not simply depend on particular annual occasions such as St Andrew's Day or Burns Night."

A spokesman for the SQA said it recommended a large range of literature for English qualifications, which should also include Scottish writing.

A spokesman for the SQA said: "We are aware of interest from these groups on Scottish literature. We will consider the requests along with all other submissions to the review.

"No changes will be made without full consultation with those who have an interest."

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